Fluid flow control valve

ABSTRACT

A fluid flow control valve is disclosed. This valve includes a housing which defines a central passageway having fluid inlet and fluid outlet openings. A pressure responsive element is disposed within the passageway for selectively opening and closing the inlet opening to fluid flow in response to fluid pressure exerted thereon at the inlet opening. A mechanism is provided within the passageway for exerting a bias force against the pressure responsive element which is sufficient to close the inlet opening to fluid flow absent a pre-established level of fluid pressure exerted on the pressure responsive element. A fluid filter element is also disposed within the passageway; and a retainer device is positioned for removably securing the filter element within the passageway.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/872,130, filed Jun. 1, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,609, titled FLUIDFLOW CONTROL VALVE. The entire contents of this prior application no.09/872,130 are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a partof this specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to fluid flow control andregulation devices and, more particularly, to one-way flow controldevices and valves for pressurized fluids, especially gas. Specifically,the present invention relates to such flow control devices particularlyadaptable as inlet valves for first and second stage regulator membersused in scuba diving units to prevent the entry of water and othercontaminates into the regulator member without interfering with theproper flow of breathable gas.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Fluid flow regulator and control devices of various types are well knownin the art. Both liquid and gas regulator devices have been adapted fora wide variety of commercial and industrial assemblies and apparatus.However, the adaptation of such devices to high-pressure environmentshaving relatively small fluid control apertures and valves is highlyspecialized. This is particularly true in the field of scuba(self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving equipment andregulators.

Within the past several decades, the sport of scuba diving has enjoyedconsiderable popularity so that there exists an entire industry forsupplying equipment for the sport. Moreover, the popularity of the sportcontinues to increase dramatically. This industry manufactures and sellsa wide variety of instruments, devices and equipment to enable a personto properly breathe underwater and remain beneath the water's surfacefor extended periods of time. One of the most vital concerns in themanufacture of underwater breathing apparatus is the need for a sourceof air or other breathable gas mixtures at substantially constantpressure. That is, in order to allow a person to breathe properly, it isnecessary to have a source of air or other breathable gas, the pressureof which does not fluctuate randomly at the point of intake.

Typically, scuba divers utilize a pressurized source of breathable gas,such as compressed air as well as mixed gas blends, at a relatively highinitial pressure which may exceed 3,000 psi and even reach 4500-5000 psiin certain technical diving situations. Pressure regulators have beendeveloped over the years to deliver such breathable gas to a diver atambient pressure regardless of the depth of the scuba diver.Consequently, the breathable gas is typically reduced in pressure instaged steps. The first step is performed by a first stage regulatormember of a dual stage regulator assembly which reduces the tankpressure of approximately 3,000 psi or greater to a constantintermediate pressure of about 120-140 psi. The first stage regulator ismounted directly to the high pressure source of gas, such as a scubatank outlet valve, and the intermediate pressure gas is then directedthrough a pressure hose exiting the first stage regulator member.

The intermediate pressure gas from the pressure hose is then deliveredto a second stage regulator member which generally has a diaphragmarrangement to further reduce gas pressure and provide breathable gas tothe diver at a usable, that is ambient, pressure. The second stageregulator member may be in the form of a primary regulator utilized bythe scuba diver as a primary source of breathing gas, or it may be inthe form of what is commonly called an alternate gas or air source, oran octopus. The alternate air source is utilized for emergency breathingsituations and is frequently combined with an inflator valve for usewith buoyancy control devices. Moreover, intermediate gas pressure linesor hoses may also extend from the first stage regulator member toprovide gas for other purposes, such as use with a dry exposure suit andthe like.

Once the dual stage regulator assembly is attached to a scuba tank gasoutlet valve to create an entire scuba unit, the scuba unit is anenvironmentally closed or sealed system. In other words, the systemwherein compressed gas passes from the tank through the first stageregulator, the intermediate pressure hoses and to the inner side of thesecond stage regulator member diaphragm, is limited only to compressedgas and is not exposed to the environment in any manner. The exterior orouter side of the second stage regulator member diaphragm, however, isexposed to the ambient environment, including water. It is essential,then, that the regulator assembly gas delivery system remain dry bothduring its use when connected to a scuba tank as well as when it is notbeing used and is disconnected from a scuba tank. Otherwise,contaminants, such as salt water, fresh water, wash water, airborneparticulates and the like, will contaminate the assembly if allowed toenter the interior of the regulator assembly, such as at the gas inletopening. Such contamination can include the rusting and corrosion ofinternal metal air filters and other internal parts of the regulatorassembly as well as possibly clogging small apertures or orifices andthus preventing the regulator assembly from operating properly if evenat all.

While it is simple to observe how a regulator assembly can remain drywhen fully installed to a scuba tank and in use, a problem occurs oncethe regulator assembly is disconnected from a tank after a dive is over.As previously mentioned, the gas in the tank is delivered to the firststage regulator member through a tank outlet valve. There are two basicand most common types of valve connection arrangements between a scubatank and the first stage regulator member which are standard in the art.However, other less common connection arrangements are also available,such as those utilized in technical diving and rebreather units. Thefirst typical connection is the most common and is known as a yokeconnection wherein the first stage regulator member has a round openingplugged by a metal filter surrounded by a raised collar with an O-ringthereabout. In this arrangement, the tank outlet valve has a smallaperture at the middle of a round recessed area, the raised collarsnugly fitting within the recessed area so that the O-ring is fittedagainst it. A yoke fitting is secured to the first stage regulatormember and surrounds the tank outlet valve, and a hand knob is handtightened against the back of the tank valve to force the raised collaragainst the round recessed area so that the O-ring is snugly compressedtherebetween. The second common connection arrangement is called a DINvalve connection wherein the first stage regulator member simply screwsdirectly into the tank valve outlet opening using five or seven threadsdepending upon the pressure to be contained within the tank.

Heretofore, a dust and water cap, has generally been used as standardequipment for covering the opening of an air pressure inlet valve of thefirst-stage regulator member when the regulator is not in use. The dustcover is typically either plastic or rubber and is held in place by theyoke and hand knob. Moreover, the valve connection of the DIN valvearrangement as well as the alternate air source for the intermediatepressure hose also generally have removable caps which cover the inletopening when not in use. When a scuba diver completes his or her diving,the gas cylinder valve is released from the regulator inlet valve. Atthis time, ideally the dust and water cap is attached to the top of theair inlet valve to prevent water and contaminates such as describedabove from entering the air inlet valve and contaminating, rustingand/or corroding the internal air filter and other internal parts insidethe valve. Unfortunately, as can be imaged, divers often forget toinstall the dust cap on the air inlet valve and/or the cap on thealternate air regulator member inlet, and the internal regulator filterthen becomes contaminated when the scuba equipment is washed down aftera dive or later when the valve is exposed to outdoor elements. This isparticularly true of new or student divers. The contamination can causea gas restriction inside the regulator assembly and a potentialbreathing hazard to the diver. Also, the gas restriction can cause thehigh pressure gas to break apart portions of the air filter, which cancause internal damage and failure of working parts inside the regulatorassembly. Further, water entering the regulator assembly at either thefirst or second stage regulator members can cause internal rusting andcorrosion of the working parts and failure of the regulator. Whilesignificant technical advances have been made over the years since theadvent of the scuba diving system, this problem of preventinginadvertent or negligent contamination of the regulator system has neverbeen satisfactorily addressed. In almost 60 years of scuba divingequipment development, a dust cover manually put into place by the diveris the best that has been achieved to date.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,226,257, No. 5,685,297 and No. 5,687,712 all disclosescuba diving regulator assemblies and valves therein, but none addressthe problem discussed above nor are they directed to regulator inletvalve construction in any particular manner. Consequently, there remainsa significant need in general and more specifically in the divingindustry, for a fluid, and in particular breathable gas, control systemthat will allow gas to flow into regulator members as required yetprevent any fluid or particulate contaminants from passing into theregulator inlet valves inadvertently without requiring one to rememberto physically place a cover or cap over the inlet valve when not in use.The present invention addresses this significant problem in fluid flowsystems in general and more particularly in the use of breathable gasregulators for scuba diving systems, oxygen delivery systems, emergencybreathing systems and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to provide animproved fluid flow regulation device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a one-waycontrol valve arrangement wherein fluid may flow through the valve onlyat preset pressures.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a valvearrangement for use with compressed gas wherein the valve prevents entryof any fluid or other particulate matter yet enables easy flow ofpressurized gas therethrough.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an inletvalve construction for use in scuba regulator assemblies which allowsthe free flow of gas to the diver yet prevents the entry of water orother fluid as well as airborne contaminates.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an inlet valveassembly for use in both first and second stage members of scubaregulator assemblies which eliminates the need for separate coverelements to prevent the entry of water or other fluid as well asairborne contaminates into the regulator assembly.

To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with thepurpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly describedherein, a fluid flow control valve is disclosed. This valve includes ahousing which defines a central passageway having fluid inlet and fluidoutlet openings. A pressure responsive element is disposed within thepassageway for selectively opening and closing of the inlet opening tofluid flow in response to fluid pressure exerted thereon at the inletopening. A mechanism is provided within the passageway for exerting abias force against the pressure responsive element which is sufficientto close the inlet opening to fluid flow absent a pre-established levelof fluid pressure exerted on the pressure responsive element. A fluidfilter element is also disposed within the passageway; and a retainerdevice is positioned for removably securing the filter element withinthe passageway.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and form a part ofthe specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the presentinvention and, together with a description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical first-stage regulator memberof a yoke-style dual stage regulator assembly for a scuba diving unitincorporating a known prior art gas inlet valve arrangement;

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the inlet valve arrangement of FIG. 1taken substantially along line 2—2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of a typical gas outlet yoke-styleconnection valve of a standard scuba tank as is well known in the art;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the first stage regulator member ofFIG. 1 connected to the gas outlet yoke-style connection valve of thestandard scuba tank of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side plan view of one yoke-style inlet valve embodiment asconstructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view taken substantially along line 6—6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view taken substantially along line 7—7 of FIG.5;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 8—8 ofFIG. 5 and illustrating the inlet valve embodiment in a closed positionto prevent fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 9 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inletvalve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the pressure responsive element of FIG. 9taken substantially along line 10—10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the pressure responsive element of FIG.9 taken substantially along line 11—11 of FIG. 9

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the spring containment sleeve of FIG. 9taken substantially along line 12—12 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 8 butillustrating the inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permitfluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a first stage regulatormember with a yoke connection modified to include an inlet valveembodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention with itscomponents in position for mounting within the inlet portion thereof;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second yoke-style inletvalve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present inventionand in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 16 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inletvalve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 15 butillustrating this inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permitfluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a third yoke-style inletvalve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present inventionand in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 19 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inletvalve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 18 butillustrating this third inlet valve embodiment in an open position topermit fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a fourth yoke-style inletvalve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present inventionand in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 22 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inletvalve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 21 butillustrating this fourth inlet valve embodiment in an open position topermit fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating yet another yoke-styleinlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the presentinvention and in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 25 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inletvalve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 24 butillustrating this particular inlet valve embodiment in an open positionto permit fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 27 is a side plan view of a DIN-style inlet valve embodiment andconnection arrangement as constructed in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 28 is a top plan view taken substantially along line 28—28 of FIG.27;

FIG. 29 is a bottom plan view taken substantially along line 29—29 ofFIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 30—30of FIG. 27 and illustrating this DIN-style inlet valve embodiment in aclosed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 31 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of theDIN-style inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG.30;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating still another yoke-styleinlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the presentinvention and in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethroughand particularly illustrating an alternate bias mechanism;

FIG. 33 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of theyoke-style inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG.32;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 32 butillustrating the inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permitfluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 35 is a top plan view, partially broken away, of a second stage,alternate gas regulator component of a known two stage regulatorassembly having a quick connect/disconnect junction;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a quick connect/disconnect junctionas illustrated in FIG. 35 but modified to incorporate integrallytherewith an inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with thepresent invention, the inlet valve embodiment being illustrated in aclosed position to prevent the flow of fluid therethrough.

FIG. 37 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inletvalve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 36 butillustrating this particular inlet valve embodiment in an open positionto permit fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the first stage regulator componentwith a part in elevation of yet another known type of yoke-style twostage regulator device for a scuba unit;

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of an inlet valve constructed inaccordance with the present invention and modified to replace thestandard inlet valve and yoke retainer of the first stage regulatorcomponent of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view of the first stage regulatorcomponent of still another known type of yoke-style two stage regulatordevice for a scuba unit; and

FIG. 42 is a partial sectional view of the unit illustrated in FIG. 41modified to incorporate an inlet valve embodiment constructed inaccordance with the present invention as an integral portion of thefirst stage regulator component thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a valve arrangement, both removableas well as integral, for controlling fluid flow in devices of varioustypes. More particularly, the valve of the present invention is designedas an inlet valve to enable one-way fluid flow into a device whilepreventing undesirable materials from entering the device. The preferredembodiments of the invention which are illustrated in detail herein areparticularly adapted for use in gas pressure regulators for scuba(self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving units. It shouldbe understood, however, that the present invention may be utilized withor incorporated as a part of any type of device or apparatus whereinfluid in the form of liquid or gas must enter the device under pressure.Other such examples may include fire, rescue and air emergency breathingunits as well as oxygen units.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-4, a scuba unit 10 of standard well-knowndesign is illustrated having a regulator assembly 12 and a tank 14 forcompressed breathable gas. Typically, the scuba tank 14 is a steel oraluminum cylinder designed to contain compressed gas at substantialpressures, i.e. well over 3000 psi. The most preferred breathable gas issimply compressed air. However, a variety of gas mixtures, such asnitrogen/oxygen blends commonly referred to as Nitrox as well as othergas blends which may include various other inert gases, are becomingmore commonly used by the recreational scuba diver. It should beunderstood, therefore, that when the terms breathable gas or compressedair are used in this application, such terms are intended to alsoinclude other types of gas mixtures both common and uncommon to thescuba diving industry. Another compressed gas mixture which may benefitfrom the present invention includes argon which is occasionally used inconjunction with dry suit inflation rather than breathable gas mixtures.These applications will be discussed in greater detail below.

The tank 14 of the scuba unit 10 includes a gas inlet/outlet valve 16which typically includes a valve body portion 18 threadable into thetank 14, a hand operated control knob 20 for opening and closing thevalve 16, and an inlet/outlet opening 22. In one form of tank valveconnection, that is the yoke-type valve, the opening 22 generallyincludes a recessed area 24 which contains a small orifice 26 thatcommunicates with the interior of the tank 14 through the valve bodyportion 18. An annular ridge 28 surrounds the recess 24 to form anannular groove wherein a removable O-ring 30 is provided between theridge 28 and the recess 24. This arrangement insures an airtight sealwith any device that is secured to the opening 22. This particulararrangement for the valve 16 is for attachment to a yoke-type regulatoras described below. The other basic tank inlet/outlet arrangement (notillustrated) is designed for attachment to a DIN valve, and in thisembodiment the ridge 28 is in the form of a collar which projectssubstantially outwardly from the valve body 18 and includes threads thatare designed for threaded engagement with a DIN valve regulator asdescribed further below.

The regulator assembly 12 is a dual or two-stage regulator and typicallyincludes a first stage regulator member 32 and a second stage regulatormember 33. The first stage regulator member 32 is removably secured tothe tank valve outlet 22 and is designed to reduce the gas pressure fromthe tank 14 of 3000 or more psi to an intermediate gas pressure ofapproximately 140 psi. The intermediate pressure gas then passes througha hose 36 to the second stage regulator member 33, wherein the gaspressure is further reduced to ambient pressure which is dependent uponthe depth of the scuba diver. In this manner, the diver can readilybreathe the gas from the second stage regulator member 33 at any depth.

In a yoke-type regulator, the housing 34 includes a gas inlet opening 38which is surrounded by a raised collar or flange 40. A metal filtermember 42 is positioned within the housing 34 below the opening 38 forthe purpose of filtering any and all gas and other materials enteringthe opening 38. A C-clip 44 is utilized to hold the filter 42 in theopening 38. A nut 46 maintains a yoke 48 in position at the opening 38.The yoke 48 is typically a U-shaped or an A-shaped element that is sizedsufficiently to permit the tank valve 16 to be positioned between thecollar 40 and the top of the yoke 48. A hand knob 50 with a screw member52 passes through the top of the yoke 48 in is designed to tightenagainst the backside 53 of the tank valve 16 to press the collar 40against the ridge 28 and O-ring 30 of the tank valve 16 to secure thetwo members together. In certain regulator designs, the nut 46, thecollar 40, the filter 42 and the C-clip 44 are all part of a valvehousing which is threadably secured within a bore disposed in theregulator housing 32. In other designs, these components areindividually mounted within the bore as an integral part of the housing32.

As is clearly evident, when the first stage regulator member 32 is notsecured to a tank valve 16, liquid and other contaminants includingairborne particulates can enter the inlet opening 38 and pass into thefilter 42 and the rest of the regulator assembly 12. Since it is arecommended procedure to thoroughly rinse or soak all scuba divingequipment in clean fresh water after each use, entry of water into theinlet opening 38 would prove disastrous to the proper operation of theregulator assembly 12. This is because water will rust and corrode theinternal metal components of the regulator assembly 12 as well as damageother attached components such as a dive computer, and particulatecontaminants can block small orifices and otherwise cause galvanic orother reactions within the regulator assembly 12, all of which will atleast negatively affect the operation of the regulator and possiblycause it or its attached components to fail entirely. It would be adangerous situation if the first stage regulator member failed duringits use by a scuba diver while under water.

This problem has been well recognized since the advent of the scubaunit, and for well over 50 years the answer has been to provide a dustcover 54. The dust cover 54 is generally made of plastic or rubber andis removably positioned over or against the collar 40 when the firststage regulator member 32 is not in use. The screw 52 is tightenedagainst the top 56 of the dust cover 54 to press the dust cover 54firmly against the inlet opening 38, thereby preventing entry of waterand other contaminants. A similar removable cap arrangement is utilizedfor the second stage regulator alternate air source as described below.Unfortunately, it is a common mistake to forget to place the dust cover54 over the inlet opening 38 before rinsing the regulator assembly 12,thereby flooding the first or second stage regulator members 32, 33.Alternatively, the dust cover 54 may be positioned properly but is notsufficiently tight to prevent entry of water into the inlet opening 38.The present invention obviates the requirement for the dust cover 54 andthe entire problem inherent with its use.

The fluid flow control valve of the present invention can be constructedand designed as a separate valve unit which is threadably secured withina regulator member housing. Alternatively, the valve assembly of thepresent invention can be formed as an integral part of the regulatorassembly housing so that only the individual components are removablerather then the entire valve assembly containing the individualcomponents as in the first instance. Therefore, it should be understoodthat while the specific embodiments illustrated herein may be in oneform or the other, the present invention is not to be specificallylimited to either form. Moreover, while the specific embodimentsillustrated and discussed below are specific adaptations for use with ascuba diving regulator assembly, the present invention is not to belimited thereby and may be utilized with any type of fluid inlet controlvalve wherein the fluid is under compression. Thus, the presentinvention should be limited only by the claims as set forth at the endof this application and as interpreted in view of the prior art.

Referring now with particularity to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.6-14, a fluid flow control valve 60 includes a housing 62 having a topor inlet end 64, a central shaft 65 and a bottom or outlet end 66. Thehousing 62 may be made of any suitable water-resistant material and ispreferably galvanized metal. The inlet end 64 of the housing 62 is thefunctional equivalent of the inlet opening 38 illustrated in FIGS. 1 &2. The housing shaft 65 includes a threaded portion 68 which is designedto engage a bore 69 (FIG. 14) disposed within the first stage regulatorhousing 34. A nut-shaped portion 70 is the functional equivalent of thenut 46 illustrated in FIGS. 1 & 2 and is designed to assist inthreadably engaging the valve housing 62 into the regulator housing 34as well as to hold the yoke 48 in position. A removable O-ring 72 isprovided to help maintain a watertight seal and keep the interior of theregulator housing 34 dry as well as prevent the escape of pressurizedgas. A raised collar 74 is provided for engagement against the O-ring 30of the tank valve inlet opening 22, and a groove 76 is disposed radiallyinwardly from the collar 74 to assist in the engagement of collar 74against the tank valve inlet opening 22 as well as providing a channelfor draining loose water away from the inlet opening. This enables theinlet end 64 to remain free from water to prevent its inadvertent entryinto the housing 62.

An axial bore 78 extends along the interior length of the housing 62.The diameter “y” of the bore 78 is substantially uniform along itsentire length except for the portion adjacent the upper or inlet end 64.The end opening the 80 of the bore 78 has a diameter “x” narrower thanthe diameter “y” of the bore 80. In preferred form, an annular curvedradial lip 82 is formed in the upper end portion of the bore 78 so as tonarrow the diameter “y” of the bore 78 gradually to form the opening 80having a diameter “x”. An annular internal groove 84 is provided withinthe bore 78 proximate the lower or bottom end portion 66 of the housing62 and is sized to mount a removable C-clip 86 therein.

A pressure responsive member or element 88 is positioned within the bore78 proximate the upper or inlet end 64. In this particular embodiment,the pressure responsive element 88 is in the form of a piston 90 havinga head portion 92 terminating in an upper curved surface 94 which sealsagainst the lip 82 and projects outwardly from the opening 80. Thisoutward projection also assists in keeping water away from the junctionof the opening 80. It should be understood that while curved uppersurfaces at the end of the pressure responsive element 88, such as thesurface 94, are preferred and illustrated throughout this application,other surface shapes and arrangements may be used to plug or seal theopening 80.

An internal pocket 96 is formed in the lower portion of the piston 90and terminates in an end opening 98. A plurality of fluid channelingelements preferably in the form of longitudinal channels or grooves 100are disposed along the outer surface of the piston 90 and extend fromthe end opening 98 and terminate short of the upper curved surface 94.In this manner, fluid cannot flow along the channels 100 unless the headportion 92 has been disengaged from the lip 82 and the opening 80. Inpreferred form, a bias mechanism in the form of a coiled spring 102 isprovided and is sized to fit within the pocket 96. The upper end portion104 of the coiled spring 102 terminates at the upper end portion of thepocket 96, while the lower end portion 106 of the coiled spring 102extends outwardly from the pocket 96. In preferred form, a springcontainment sleeve 108 is provided having an internal cavity 110 forreceiving the lower end portion 106 of the coiled spring 102. The sleeve108 terminates a base portion 110 which includes a plurality of notches112 which are preferably sized and spaced according to the longitudinalchannels 100 of the piston 90. A metal filter element 114 having anenlarged base 115 is provided below the containment sleeve 108 and issized and shaped to block the entire bore 78 so that any fluid passingthrough the bore 78 must pass through the filter 114. The c-clip 86 ispreferably positioned within the annular groove 84 below the metalfilter 114.

Referring particularly to FIG. 8, the inlet valve 60 is illustrated in aclosed position wherein the upper curved surface 94 of the piston 90 isin firm contact with the annular lip 82 so as to seal the opening 80 tothe bore 78. The bias mechanism in the preferred form of the coil spring102 creates a bias force against the piston 90 and the bottom of thecontainment sleeve 108 so as to press the upper surface 94 against theinternal lip 82. The containment sleeve 108, the filter 114 and thec-clip 86 are all sized, shaped and positioned so that the biasmechanism 102 provides sufficient bias force to close the piston 90against the lip 82 and seal the opening 80. In this closed position,neither fluid, liquid or particulate matter of any kind can pass intothe bore 78 through the inlet 80.

Referring to FIG. 13, when a compressive force is exerted axiallyagainst the upper surface 94 of the piston 90 and is of sufficientstrength to overcome the bias force of the spring 102, the piston 90moves axially into the bore 78. This movement of the piston 90disengages the upper surface 94 from the annular lip 82 thereby openingthe end 80. Fluid may then pass through the opening 80 and into the bore78. The channels 100 and the notches 112 permit such fluid entering theopening 80 to pass along the exterior length of the piston 90 and thecontainment sleeve 108, through the filter 114, and to exit out the endopening 116 of the bore 78.

As a result of the above arrangement and referring now to FIG. 14, whenthe valve 60 forms the inlet opening for a first stage regulator member32, the normally closed position of the valve 60 resulting from the biasforce of the spring member 102 as illustrated in FIG. 8 prevents waterand airborne particulates from entering the first stage regulatorhousing. This construction eliminates the need for the dust cap 54 inthat the piston 90 which is engaged against the annular lip 82 will sealthe inlet valve 60 from any exterior fluid or contaminant material. Whena first stage regulator member 32 containing the valve 60 of the presentinvention is attached to a scuba tank outlet valve 16, however, theforce from the compressed gas in the tank 14 overcomes the bias force ofthe spring 102 to press the piston 90 into the bore 78. This actionpermits the compressed gas to pass through the bore 78, out the exitopening 116 and into the regulator housing 34. The bias force of thespring 102 may be adjusted to any desired strength. However, in order topermit the maximum amount of breathable gas from the tank 14 to beutilized by a scuba diver through the first stage regulator member, thebias force is preferably set as low as possible yet of sufficientstrength to firmly engage the upper surface 94 against the annular lip82 to close the opening 80 when the first stage regulator member 12 isnot attached to a scuba tank 14. While this bias strength force may beselected at any level, a minimum force of preferably 5-10 psi shouldprobably be established to prevent inadvertent entry of fluid orcontaminants into the bore 78 and regulator member 32 when the regulatormember 32 is disconnected from a scuba tank outlet valve 16. It shouldbe understood, however, that this minimum force is a variable which maybe selected and adjusted as needed.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-17, a second embodiment of the fluid flowcontrol valve of the present invention is disclosed. This embodiment ispreferably in the form of a valve member 118 that includes a housing 62constructed substantially identical to the prior embodiment of FIGS.5-14. The housing 62 of this embodiment includes the upper or inlet endportion 64, an bottom or outlet end portion 66, a central bore 78, anannular inner lip 82 forming a narrowed end opening 80, and an exitopening 116. In this particular embodiment, the bias mechanism is also acoil spring 102. However, in this embodiment, the lower end portion 106of the spring 102 is positioned around the filter member 114 against thebase 115 thereof. There is no spring containment sleeve in thisembodiment. The upper end portion 104 of the spring 102 is engaged witha pressure responsive element 88 as in the prior embodiment.

In this particular embodiment, the pressure responsive element 88 ispreferably in the form of a solid piston head 120 having an upper curvedsurface 122 similar to the surface 94 of the prior embodiment. Aplurality of axially aligned and spaced longitudinal grooves 124 formfluid channeling elements and operate in the same manner as the grooves100 of the prior embodiment. However, the bottom portion 126 of thepiston head 120 includes a raised element 128 which forms an annularshoulder 130. The upper end portion 104 of the spring 102 is sized tosurround the shoulder 130 to securely engage the end portion 126 of thepiston head 120. When the valve member 118 is in its closed position asillustrated in FIG. 15, the piston head upper surface 122 engages theannular lip 82 so as to close the opening 80. When a fluid force isexerted axially against the piston head upper surface 122, the pistonhead is moved into the bore 78 as with the prior embodiment to allow thefluid to pass through the opening 80, through the channels 124, throughthe filter 114 and out the exit opening 116. Again, when the valvemember 118 is utilized with a scuba regulator, the fluid exerting thepressure on the piston head upper surface 122 is preferably compressedbreathable gas.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-20, a third embodiment of the fluid flowcontrol valve of the present invention is disclosed. This embodiment ispreferably in the form of a valve member 132 that includes a housing 62constructed substantially identical to the prior embodiments for FIGS.5-17. The housing 62 of this embodiment includes the upper or inlet endportion 64, an bottom or outlet end portion 66, a central bore 78, anannular inner lip 82 forming a narrowed end opening 80, and an exitopening 116. In this embodiment, the bias mechanism is also a coilspring 102, and the lower end portion 106 of the spring 102 ispositioned to be engaged within a spring containment sleeve 108 having abase portion 110 with notches 112, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 5-14.In this particular embodiment, however, the filter member 134 issubstantially flat as opposed to the conical shape of the priorembodiments, the c-clip 86 holding all the internal components of thevalve 132 in place within the bore 78. The upper end portion 104 of thespring 102 is engaged with a pressure responsive element 88 as in theprior embodiments.

In this particular embodiment the pressure responsive element 88 is inthe form of a solid element 136 having an upper curved surface 138similar to the surfaces 94 and 122 of the prior embodiments. A pluralityof axially aligned and spaced longitudinal grooves 140 form fluidchanneling elements and operate in the same manner as the grooves 100and 124 of the prior embodiments. However, the bottom portion 142 of theelement 136 includes a plunger mechanism 144 having a shaft 146extending downwardly from the bottom 142 and an annular foot 148. Theupper end portion 104 of the spring 102 engages the foot 148 to exertand transfer the bias force from the spring 102 to the element 136. Whenthe valve member 132 is in its closed position as illustrated in FIG.18, the element upper surface 138 engages the annular lip 82 so as toclose the opening 80. When a fluid force is exerted axially against theelement upper surface 138, the element 136 is moved into the bore 78 aswith the prior embodiments to allow the fluid to pass through theopening 80, through the channels 140, through the notches 112, throughthe filter 134 and out the exit opening 116. Again, when the valvemember 118 is utilized with a scuba regulator, the fluid exerting thepressure on the element upper surface 138 is preferably compressedbreathable gas. When the fluid pressure ceases to be exerted against theelement upper surface 138, the bias force from the spring mechanism 102pushes the element 136 axially so as to reengage the upper surface 138with the annular lip 82 thereby closing the valve 132.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-23, a fourth embodiment of the fluid flowcontrol valve of the present invention is disclosed. This particularembodiment includes a valve member 150 that is substantially identicalto the valve member 118 of FIGS. 15-17 except for the construction ofthe pressure responsive element 88. In this embodiment as with all theembodiments, like numerals designate like parts. In this particularembodiment, the pressure responsive element 88 is in the form of a solidpiston head 152 having an upper curved surface 154 similar to thesurface 122 of the embodiment of FIGS. 15-17. A plurality of axiallyaligned and spaced longitudinal grooves 156 form fluid channelingelements and operate in the same manner as the grooves 124 of the priorembodiment. However, the bottom portion 158 of the piston head 152includes an annular, radially recessed groove 160 which forms a radialshoulder 162. The upper end portion 104 of the spring 102 is sized tosurround the shoulder 162 and seat in the groove 160 to securely engagethe end portion 158 of the piston head 152. When the valve member 150 isin its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 21, the piston head uppersurface 154 engages the annular lip 82 so as to close the opening 80.When a fluid force is exerted axially against the piston head uppersurface 154, the piston head is moved into the bore 78 as with the priorembodiment to allow the fluid to pass through the bore 78, through thechannels 156, through the filter 114 and out the exit opening 116.Again, when the valve member 150 is utilized with a scuba regulator, thefluid exerting the pressure on the piston head upper surface 154 ispreferably compressed breathable gas.

Yet another embodiment of the fluid flow control valve of the presentinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 24-26. This embodiment includes avalve member 164 that is substantially similar to the valve member 150of the prior embodiment of FIGS. 21-23 except for the construction ofthe pressure responsive element 88. In this particular embodiment, thepressure responsive element 88 is preferably in the form of an orb orball 166 having a continuous curved outer surface, any portion of whichmay serve as an upper curved surface 168 similar to the surface 154 ofthe embodiment of FIGS. 21-23. The ball 166 is sized to have a diametergreater than the diameter “x” of the opening 80, yet smaller than thediameter “y” of the bore 78. The ball 166 is seated in the upper endportion 104 of the spring 102 and held in position on the spring 102.When the valve member 164 is in its closed position as illustrated inFIG. 24, a portion of the surface of the ball 166 engages the annularlip 82 so as to close the opening 80. When a fluid force is exertedaxially against the ball upper surface 168 projecting slightly beyondthe opening 80, the ball 166 is moved into the bore 78 as with the priorembodiments. The fluid is then allowed to pass into the bore 78, pastthe outer surface of the ball 166 which has a narrower diameter than thebore 78, through the filter 114 and out the exit opening 116. Again,when the valve member 164 is utilized with a scuba regulator, the fluidexerting the pressure on the ball upper surface 168 is preferablycompressed breathable gas.

Referring now to FIGS. 32-34, still another embodiment of the fluid flowcontrol valve of the present invention is illustrated. This embodimentis very similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 24-26 and includes a valvemember 170 having a housing 62 structured substantially identical to theprior embodiments. The internal components of the valve member 170 aresimilar to those of the valve member 164 illustrated in FIGS. 24-26except for the construction of the spring bias element 172 and itsconnection to the pressure responsive or sensing member 88. In thisparticular embodiment, the pressure responsive element 88 is againpreferably in the form of an orb or ball 174 having a continuous curvedouter surface. The spring bias element 172 includes an upper end portion176 projecting from a spring lever arm 178, and a base cage portion 180.The cage portion 180 is sized and shaped to slidingly fit over a conicalshaped metal filter 114 and rest on the filter base 115. The ball 174 isfixed to the distal end of the end portion 176.

The ball 174 is fixed to the upper portion 176 of the spring biaselement lever arm 178 so that a portion of its upper outer surface mayserve as an upper curved surface 182 similar to the surface 168 of theembodiment of FIGS. 24-26. The ball 174 is sized to have a diametergreater than the diameter “x” of the opening 80, yet smaller than thediameter “y” of the bore 78. The ball 178 is fixed to the upper distalend of the lever arm 178 so that when the valve member 170 is in itsclosed position as illustrated in FIG. 32, the ball upper curved surface182 engages the annular lip 82 so as to close the opening 80. When afluid force is exerted axially against the ball upper surface 182projecting slightly beyond the opening 80, the ball 174 is movedangularly into the bore 78 controlled by the lever arm 178. The fluid isthen allowed to pass into the bore 78, past the outer surface of theball 174 having a narrower diameter than the bore 78, through the filter114 and out the exit opening 116. Again, when the valve member 170 isutilized with a scuba regulator, the fluid exerting the pressure on theball upper surface 182 is preferably compressed breathable gas. Uponcessation of the axial force from the compressed gas or other fluid, thelever arm 178 moves the ball 174 back into its closed position whereinthe upper surface 182 engages the annular lip 82 and closes the opening80.

Referring now to FIGS. 27-31, another embodiment of the invention isillustrated wherein it is adapted for use in a DIN valve arrangement. Aspreviously explained, the DIN valve 184 includes a housing 186 with rearexterior thread members 188 that are designed to screw the housing 184into a first stage regulator housing similar to the housing 32 of FIG.1, only adapted for a DIN-style valve rather than a yoke-style valve. Aseparate attachment element 190 is designed to slide over the housing184 and engage the nut portion 192 of the housing 184. The exteriorthreads 194 are designed to screw into a compatible aperture located inthe outlet/inlet valve housing 16 of a scuba tank cylinder 14. Theaforementioned elements of the DIN-style housing 184 are all standardfeatures well known to the art. However, the remaining features of thevalve 184 including the internal components thereof are all adapted inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention.

The upper or fluid inlet end portion 196 of the housing 186 includes thenut 192, and the lower or fluid outlet end portion 198 of the housing186 includes the exterior threads 188. A center shaft portion 200interconnects the inlet portion 196 with the outlet portion 198. Theupper end portion 196 includes an annular groove 202 disposed in the endsurface 204 of the nut 192, and an O-ring 206 is disposed within thegroove 202. An end collar 208 projects outwardly from the surface 204 ofthe nut 192. A central bore 210 is disposed within the housing 186similar to the bore 78 of the prior embodiments and has a diameter “y”.The bore 210 includes an inlet opening 212 having a diameter “x” whichis less than the diameter “y” of the bore 210, again similar to theprior embodiments. The end opening 212 is disposed in the collar 208 anddefines a curved annular interior lip 214. A pressure responsive orsensitive element 88, a spring bias mechanism 102 and a springcontainment sleeve 108 similar to those of FIGS. 5-13 are preferablyutilized within the bore 210 of the housing 186 of the presentembodiment. Due to the fact that DIN-type valves 184 are considerablylonger than yoke-type valves 60, a tubular spacer element 216 ispositioned between the bottom of the containment sleeve base 112 and thebase plate 115 of the fibrous metal filter 114. A c-clip 86 is utilizedto maintain the position of all the aforementioned components within thebore 210.

As described in the previous embodiments, the pressure responsiveelement 88 preferably in the form of a piston 92 includes a curved uppersurface 94. The upper surface 94 is shaped to firmly engage the innerannular lip 214 when the valve 184 is in its closed position asillustrated in FIG. 30. When fluid pressure, as in the form ofcompressed gas from a scuba tank, is exerted in an inward axialdirection against the surface 94 of the piston 92 and is of sufficientstrength to overcome the bias force applied by the spring 102, thespring 102 is compressed and the piston 92 moved axially inwardly intothe bore 210. When this occurs, the fluid may then pass through theopening 212, through the fluid channels or grooves 100, through thenotches 112, through the interior of the spacer 216, through the fibrousmetal filter 114 and out the exit opening 218. As with the priorembodiments, undesirable fluids and particulate material cannot enterthe valve 184 when it is in its closed position due to the bias force ofthe spring 102 against the piston 92. However, when pressurized fluid,such as in the form of compressed gas or air from a scuba tank, isexerted against the surface 94 of the piston 92, the piston 92 is movedand the gas or air passes through the valve 184 and into the first stageregulator.

Referring now to FIGS. 35-38, a second stage regulator member 220 isillustrated in the form of an alternate air or gas source as previouslydescribed. The illustrated regulator member 220 includes an air inflatorvalve 222 for controlling inflation of a buoyancy control device (notillustrated) typical in the art, and a quick disconnect valve 224. Thequick disconnect valve 224 of standard exterior design is arranged forconnecting an intermediate pressure hose such as hose 226 of FIG. 4 tothe second stage regulator member 220. As previously described, thesecond stage regulator member 220 is designed to reduce the intermediatepressure of the compressed breathable gas from the hose 226 to ambientpressure so that a diver may readily breathe it through a mouth piece228. The valve 224 includes a housing 230 which is threadably positionedwithin the regulator member 220. The housing 230 includes an inlet endportion 232 and an outlet end portion 234. The outlet end portion 234includes exterior thread members 236 for engagement with a receiver nut238 which is part of the regulator assembly 220. A pair flanges 240, 242and a pair of O-rings 244, 246 assist in maintaining the valve housing230 within the regulator member 220.

The housing 230 preferably includes an interior axial bore 248 whichextends the length thereof. As in the prior embodiments, the axial bore248 has a diameter “y” and terminates at the inlet end portion 232 in aninlet opening 250, which has a narrower diameter “x”. An interiorannular lip 252 is formed at the inlet portion 232 to define the opening250. A pressure responsive or sensitive element 254 is preferably formedas a piston 256 having elongated channeling elements 258 in the form ofgrooves along the exterior surface thereof. An upper curved surface 260is sized and shaped to engage the annular lip 252 so as to seal theopening 250 when the valve 224 is in its closed position as illustratedin FIG. 36. The spring bias member 262 is provided for engaging theinterior of the piston 256 at its upper end portion 264. The lower endportion 266 of the spring bias member 262 is positioned within acontainment sleeve 268 having a base 270 with fluid passage notches 272.The base 270 of the containment sleeve 268 rests against a fibrousmetallic filter 114, and a C-clip 86 is utilized as in the priorembodiments to maintain the components discussed above within thecentral bore 248. When an intermediate hose 226 is attached to the inletend portion 232 of the valve 224 and compressed gas introduced therein,the pressure from the gas against the upper surface 260 of the piston254 presses the piston 254 into the bore 248 (see FIG. 38) against theforce of the bias member 262. As in prior embodiments, the compressedgas can then enter the inlet opening 250 to pass along the grooves 258into the central bore 248, through the notches 272, through the filter114 and then out the exit opening 274.

Referring now to FIGS. 39 & 40, a standard and known first stageregulator member 276 is illustrated. The regulator member 276 includesan inlet opening 278 which contains a standard metal filter therein. Anend cap or yoke retainer element 280 is utilized to seal the regulatorend opening 278. This regulator member 280 may be modified for use withthe present invention as illustrated in FIG. 40. In this instance, theend cap or yoke retainer nut 280 and the metal filter within the opening278 are removed. In their place, an inlet valve 282 is inserted into theopening 278. The valve 282 includes a housing 284 having threads 286 andO-ring elements 288, 290 to engage the threads 292 to secure the housing284 to the regulator member 276. A tubular element 294 extendsdownwardly from the upper surface 296 of the housing 282. The tubularelement 294 includes a central bore 298 which extends the entire lengththereof and terminates at the inlet end portion 296 in an opening 300which has a narrower diameter than the bore 298, as in the priorembodiments. A pressure responsive element 302 includes an upper curvedsurface 304 which engages an annular inner lip 306 when in the closedposition as illustrated in FIG. 40. A plurality of elongated channelinggrooves 308 are disposed along the surface of the piston member 302. Abiasing mechanism in the form of a coil spring 310 is positioned withinthe piston 302 and extends into a sleeve containment member 312. A flatfibrous metallic filter the form of a wafer-like structure 314 ispositioned below the containment sleeve 312, and a c-clip 86 is utilizedto maintain the internal components within the central bore 298. Again,when fluid pressure is exerted against the upper curved surface 304 ofthe piston member 302, the piston 302 is pressed into the bore 298 toenable the pressurized fluid to pass through the channeling grooves 308,through the filter 314 and out the exit opening 316.

Referring now to FIGS. 41 & 42, another embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated wherein the present invention is in the form ofan integral valve arrangement disposed within a regulator housing. Morespecifically, a first stage regulator member 320 of standard designincludes a housing 322, a plurality of high and low pressure outlets324, 326, and an inlet element 328. A diaphragm (not illustrated) istypically positioned within the housing 322 below the inlet element 328.A high-pressure seat 330 is disposed within the housing 322 on thehigh-pressure side of the diaphragm. A pin 332 and a pin support 334 areprovided for engaging the high-pressure seat 330. A spring 336, anO-ring 338 and a backup ring 340 are all disposed about thehigh-pressure seat 330. A spring block 342 is provided for engaging theupper end of the high-pressure seat 330. A second spring element 344 ispositioned on the upper end of the spring block 342, and a filter member346 is positioned thereon and maintained in place by a c-clip 86. An endcap 348, a yoke 48, a hand knob 50 and a dust cover 54 are also allprovided. As can be seen by this assembly, the integral valve componentswithin the valve housing 322 are all potentially exposed to water andsolid contaminants if the dust cover 54 is not properly positioned aspreviously described.

Referring now to FIG. 42, the standard regulator 320 of FIG. 41 has beenmodified to incorporate the present invention as an integral partthereof. In this particular embodiment, the regulator member 350includes a housing 352 having an inlet end portion 354. The housing 352includes a central bore 356 which passes axially along the lengththereof. An end cap 358 is threadably engageable with the base of thehousing 352. A diaphragm of standard design 360 is positioned at theinner surface of the end cap 358. Disposed within the lower portion ofthe bore 356 within the housing 352 is a pin 332, a pin support 334, ahigh-pressure seat 330, a high-pressure seat spring element 336, anO-ring 338, the backup ring 340, and a spring block 342, all componentsstandard to the known regulator member 320. In this particular inembodiment, however, a pressure responsive or sensitive element in theform of a piston 362 is positioned within the bore 356 at the inlet endportion 354. The piston 362 includes an upper curved surface 364, and aninner annular lip 366 is provided to define the end opening 368 of thebore 356. The diameter of the end opening 368 is less than the diameterof the bore 356 as in the prior embodiments. In this manner, the uppercurved surface 364 of the piston 362 engages the annular lip 366 to sealthe end opening 368 when the valve 350 is in its closed position asillustrated in the FIG. 42.

The lower end portion of the piston member 362 includes a projection 370having a diameter less than the piston member 362 thereby forming anannular shoulder 372. A bias mechanism 374 preferably in the form of acoil spring is positioned between the piston element 362 and the filter346, the upper end portion of the spring 374 being disposed about theannular shoulder 372. A removable high-pressure crown 376 with an O-ring378 is provided below the high-pressure seat 330. A spacer element 380is positioned between the crown 376, and a c-clip 86 is provided tomaintain all the components in position within the bore 372. Finally, anintermediate spring 382 is provided on the intermediate pressure side ofthe diaphragm 360 and is disposed within the tightener element 384 whichis engageable within the end cap 358. The tightener member 384 can beutilized to adjust the intermediate pressure of the diaphragm 360. As aresult of this construction, the piston element 362 maintains theopening 368 in a sealed condition as a result of the bias from thespring 374. Once the housing 350 is attached to a source of pressurizedgas, the force from the pressurized gas against the curved surface 364presses the piston element 362 into the bore 356 to allow compressed gasto pass into the bore 356 and against the diaphragm 360.

As can be seen from the above, the present invention solves a problemwhich has existed from the very beginning of the sport of scuba diving.The present invention provides for a relatively simple yet veryeffective arrangement for preventing the inadvertent entry of water andother contaminants into the first or second stage regulator members of ascuba diving unit. The present invention eliminates the need for amanual dust cap and, more importantly, for the requirement that the userof a scuba diving unit remember to place the dust cap in position priorto cleaning and/or storing the equipment. The present invention can beconstructed in any number of different forms so as to be compatible withvirtually every type of first stage regulator member presentlymanufactured and sold. The present invention can be in the form of anindependent valve member which may be utilized to retrofit existingfirst stage regulator members as well as used with newly manufacturedregulator assemblies. In the alternative, the present invention can beconstructed as an integral part of a regulator member with itscomponents readily accessible for repair and/or replacement.

The present invention may also be utilized with second stage regulatorswhen in the form of alternate air sources. Additionally, the presentinvention may be utilized with any type of gas used in the scuba divingindustry, including all types of breathable gas mixtures as well asother types of systems that are used in scuba diving but not necessarilyfor breathing. Specifically, cylinders of compressed argon are utilizedto inflate dry suits and are separate and apart from the breathingmixture for a scuba diver. The present invention may be utilized withthe gas regulator for such compressed argon systems. Moreover, extendedrange scuba divers require the use of multiple compressed breathing gastanks for decompression purposes. As such, the scuba diver, whenperforming such extended range functions, must change regulatorconnections between tanks while underwater. Heretofore, this processflooded the regulators, creating initial breathing problems as well ascreating the difficulty of cleaning and drying the internal componentsof the regulators after the extended range dive was concluded. Thepresent invention obviates these problems and permits easy changing ofcompressed gas bottles while underwater. Moreover, the present inventionmay also be utilized in an inlet valve arrangement for rebreather scubaunits.

Finally, it should be understood that while the present invention wasinitially developed for the scuba diving industry, it has much broaderimplications and applications. It can be utilized with any type of fluidflow environment and device and should not be simply limited to gaseousfluids. Any type of device or system wherein fluid under pressure isdirected into a one-way inlet valve may benefit from the presentinvention by being adapted in accordance therewith. Therefore, thepresent invention should not be limited by the specific illustrationsand embodiments described in detail above.

The foregoing description and the illustrative embodiments of thepresent invention have been described in detail in varying modificationsand alternate embodiments. It should be understood, however, that theforegoing description of the present invention is exemplary only, andthat the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to theclaims as interpreted in view of the prior art. Moreover, the inventionillustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absenceof any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

1. A filter assembly for use with a regulator device, said filterassembly comprising: a housing defining an internal passageway having agas inlet opening near an upstream end of said housing, and a gas outletopening spaced from said gas inlet opening, said housing having a firstattachment portion configured for connection of an upstream end of saidfilter assembly to a pressurized source of breathable gas and a secondattachment portion configured for connection of a downstream end of saidfilter assembly to said regulator device, said gas inlet openingdefining an upstream rim which is substantially flush with or upstreamof an upstream end of said first attachment portion; a retractable valvemember disposed within said passageway, said valve member having a rangeof motion between (i) a closed position in which said valve memberengages said upstream rim and substantially blocks said gas inletopening and (ii) an open position in which said valve member permitsfluid flow through said gas inlet opening, said valve member beingbiased toward said closed position with a bias exerting mechanism; and afilter disposed in said passageway downstream of said valve member, aretainer device disposed within said passageway and configured toremovably secure said filter within said passageway, and said filter isdisposed between said bias exerting mechanism and said retainer deviceproximate said outlet opening.
 2. The filter assembly of claim 1,wherein said valve member includes at least one fluid channeling elementfor directing fluid into said passageway from said inlet opening whensaid valve member is disengaged from said upstream rim.
 3. The filterassembly of claim 2, wherein said fluid channeling element comprises anelongated groove disposed along an outer peripheral surface of saidvalve member.
 4. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein said valvemember comprises a piston having a downstream end portion adapted foroperative engagement with a bias force exerting mechanism disposedwithin said passageway.
 5. The filter assembly of claim 4, wherein saidbias exerting mechanism comprises a coil spring and a spring containmentsleeve, said coil spring having one end portion engaged with said valvemember and an opposite end portion mounted in said containment sleeve.6. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein said valve member comprisesan orb having a width dimension less than the width dimension of saidpassageway and greater than the width dimension of said inlet opening.7. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of saidvalve member extends upstream of said upstream rim when said valvemember is in said closed position.
 8. An inlet valve for a gas pressureregulator to couple the regulator to a high-pressure gas source, saidvalve comprising: a housing defining a duct with gas inlet and gasoutlet openings defined at opposite ends of said duct, said housinghaving a valve sealing face disposed near said gas inlet opening andadapted for engagement with said high-pressure gas source, and anattachment portion downstream of said valve sealing face and adapted forengagement with said regulator; a retractable member mounted within saidduct and configured for movement between a first position for blockingsaid gas inlet opening, and a second position for permitting gas toenter said gas inlet opening, said retractable member being biasedtoward said first position; and a gas filter element disposed in saidduct downstream from said retractable member; wherein said gas inletopening defines an upstream rim which is substantially flush with orupstream of said valve sealing face; wherein said retractable memberabuts said upstream rim when in said first position.
 9. The valve ofclaim 8, wherein said valve sealing face comprises an upstream end of acollar surrounding said gas inlet opening.
 10. The valve of claim 8,wherein said valve sealing face comprises an O-ring.
 11. The valve ofclaim 8, wherein said valve sealing face comprises a DIN connectorextending outwardly from said gas inlet opening.
 12. The valve of claim8, wherein said retractable member comprises a piston having a head withan upper outer surface adapted for engagement with said gas inletopening when in said first position, a peripheral outer surface, and alower end portion adapted for operative engagement with a bias forceexertion mechanism disposed downstream of said piston, said pistonincluding at least one gas channeling element for directing gas intosaid duct from said gas inlet opening when said piston head isdisengaged from said upstream rim.
 13. The valve of claim 12, whereinsaid gas channeling element comprises an elongated groove disposed alongthe length of said peripheral outer surface of said piston.
 14. Thevalve of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of said retractable memberextends upstream of said gas inlet opening when said retractable memberis in said first position.
 15. The valve of claim 8, wherein saidretractable member comprises a spherical member having a diameter lessthan the width dimension of said duct and greater than the widthdimension of said gas inlet opening.
 16. The valve of claim 8, furthercomprising a bias force exertion mechanism disposed downstream of saidretractable member and comprising a coil spring and a spring containmentsleeve, said coil spring having one end portion engaged with saidretractable member and the opposite end portion mounted in saidcontainment sleeve.